Diocese spokeswoman stepping down

The longtime spokeswoman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland has resigned, just a few weeks after her boss, Bishop Richard Malone, was assigned to another diocese.

Sue Bernard, who has been communications director for the diocese for more than a decade, will be director of development and college relations for Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle.

“Sue has served the Diocese of Portland admirably during some difficult times,” Malone said in a prepared statement. “She has not only served as media spokesperson and the liaison between the bishop’s office and parishes, but she has also been an exemplary colleague, trusted adviser and was instrumental in implementing our written evangelization publication, Harvest Magazine.”

Bernard will leave in mid-August.

“It’s with mixed emotions that I leave Portland and all my wonderful, faith-filled colleagues. It has been both challenging and gratifying work and I’m leaving with a sense of satisfaction that a number of improvements have been made, especially under the leadership of Bishop Malone in terms of transparency with the public, safe environment for children, and the building of cooperation among the laity regarding necessary consolidations,” Bernard said. “At the same time, I’m very excited to be returning home and beginning work at the college. NMCC is a gem in the community college system that has proven to be an excellent place where students learn vital skills for today’s workplace.”

Bernard was the voice of the diocese during a high-profile period, including the child sexual abuse scandal that spread from Massachusetts to Maine.

Before working for the diocese, Bernard spent more than 20 years in broadcasting, most of it at WAGM-TV, the CBS affiliate in Presque Isle.

Malone was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as the new bishop of the Diocese of Buffalo, N.Y. He will be installed in August.

Malone, who led Maine’s diocese for eight years, will be replaced by an administrator temporarily.

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